Itoje a Six Nations doubt following confirmation of jaw fracture

Maro Itoje could miss the start of England's Six Nations campaign after Saracens confirmed the influential forward fractured his jaw in Sunday's Premiership defeat to Harlequins.

Itoje, a key man for club and country, was forced off in the second half of Sarries' 20-19 loss at the Twickenham Stoop following a collision with team-mate Mike Brown.

Saracens have now confirmed a break in the 23-year-old's jaw, although it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for, with less than nine weeks to go until England open their Six Nations campaign against Italy.

A statement from the European champions read: "Scans have confirmed that Saracens forward Maro Itoje fractured his jaw in Sunday's round 10 Aviva Premiership clash against Harlequins.

"The 23-year old England forward left the field in the 48th minute of Saracens' 20-19 defeat at the Twickenham Stoop and was taken to hospital where scans confirmed the fracture.

"Itoje will now see a second specialist later this week to confirm his return-to-play schedule."

While Itoje's availability for England's Six Nations campaign remains unclear at this stage, his injury undoubtedly represents a major blow to Saracens, who face back-to-back European Champions Cup matches against Clermont Auvergne over the next two weekends.